Lakewood's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Lakewood, Colorado, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Window Signs

Window signs in Lakewood, Colorado are exempt from the sign permit process but still capped at 25 percent of the first-floor window area where they're displayed, under Zoning Ordinance § 17.9.2.2(K). They're barred entirely from windows above the first floor and cannot be illuminated or lit by any nearby light source aimed at them.

Key details: Coverage cap: 25% of first-floor window area. Upper-floor windows: window signs prohibited above first floor. Illumination: not allowed, and no light aimed at sign. Permit status: exempt from sign permit process. Director discretion: can approve more than 25% coverage.

A window sign that exceeds the 25 percent coverage cap, sits above the first floor, or carries illumination loses its exemption and is treated as a sign installed without the required approval under the Ordinance's general sign-compliance procedure at § 17.2.13.3.C.4: the City gives the property or sign owner written notice, and the violation must be corrected within five working days of that notice.

Political Signs

Lakewood's Zoning Ordinance dropped its old political-sign category to comply with Reed v. Gilbert; a political message is now sized and placed exactly like any other yard sign under Table 17.9.7.

Key details: Political sign category: None: removed 2023. Max sign face: 6 sq ft. Max total per property: 18 sq ft. Max height: 4 feet. Setback: 2 ft from sidewalks.

Oversized or improperly placed yard signs, political or otherwise, can be ordered removed by Lakewood code enforcement, but the content itself cannot be restricted based on its political message.

Holiday Displays

Lakewood exempts decorative holiday light displays from a sign permit, but caps how long they can stay up: 60 consecutive days, and no more than 90 days total, per calendar year.

Key details: Permit: None required. Max consecutive days: 60 days. Max total per year: 90 days. Applies: Citywide, any zone.

A display left up longer than 60 consecutive days, or shown more than 90 days total in a year, loses its exempt status and can draw a code enforcement notice.

Lakewood is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

Digital Billboards

Lakewood's zoning code allows on-site electronic message signs on larger lots but caps copy changes to once every 8 seconds and bans flashing, blinking, or strobing effects.

Key details: Min. frontage required: 180 linear feet. Copy change rate: Once per 8 seconds. Flashing/blinking/strobing: Prohibited. Off-premise billboards: Prohibited citywide.

An electronic message sign that flashes, blinks, or changes copy faster than every 8 seconds violates §17.9.4.3.D and can be cited by Lakewood code enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Lakewood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.